Once something of an afterthought, comedy has ascended to Bumbershoot's best reason for being. This year's lineup is packed with the hottest-shit comedy stars of the day, alongside beloved locals, most performing multiple times. Here's a mercilessly concise guide to every single comedy act appearing at Bumbershoot 2014, telling you what everything is, when it's happening, and why you should go see it.

StarTalk Live! with Bill Nye and Eugene Mirman

WHAT: A modified version of Neil deGrasse Tyson's podcast, in which comedians, scientists, and celebrities discuss the intersection of science and pop culture. For Bumbershoot, Tyson's hosting duties will be assumed by local hero Bill Nye the Science Guy.

WHEN: Sat, 2:30 pm; Sun, 2:30 pm; Comedy at the Bagley

WHY: Alongside the brainy charms of Bill Nye will be the hilarious geekery of Eugene Mirman, plus as-yet-unnamed "cerebral and celebrated guests."

WHAT: A live taping of the popular podcast in which dapper comedian Paul F. Tompkins pretends to be H. G. Wells, and uses his time machine to bring forth long-dead authors, who are subjected to onstage interviews.

WHY: Among the players are comic Emmett Montgomery, sketch duos Love Snack and Now with Dames, and performance art duo Gude/Laurance.

Punchline Comedy

WHAT: The popular amateur comedy night, relocated from Jai Thai on Broadway to Bumbershoot.

WHEN: Sun, 2:15 pm, Comedy at the Leo K.

WHY: All the Punchline Comedy with none of the fried-oil smell.

NW Comedy Fest's Canadians of Comedy

WHAT: A bunch of funny Canadians, exported to Bumbershoot!

WHEN: Sat, 2:15 pm, Comedy at the Leo K.

WHY: Canadians mock themselves better than anyone.

The Early Late Show with Yogi Paliwal

WHAT: According to its creators and producers Yogi Paliwal and Chris Leher, "The Early Late Show sets out to combine artisanal, hand-crafted sketch comedy with cruelty-free stand-up in a late-night-show format."

WHEN: Mon, 12:30 pm, Comedy at the Leo K.

WHY: They really go all-out with aping the late-show format, from warm-up comedians to musical guests.

Comedy Mystery Mutants

WHAT: A comedy variety show with its eye on the weird and seedy.

WHEN: Sun, 12:30 pm, Comedy at the Leo K.

WHY: It's fun to squirm alongside your fellow humans.

Comedy Grab Bag

WHAT: A Portland comedy extravaganza led by Jay Flewelling and Kimberly Brady and built around revolving themes.